9 Absolutely Adorable + Creative Pregnancy Announcements

Remember how I mentioned that we are officially "trying" to have a baby now...? Well we are getting plenty of practice and we are super excited to see where this TTC journey will take us! I can't wait until the day we get to announce that we are finally pregnant, but it hasn't happened, yet...

While we are patiently waiting for "our turn", I recently received some really exciting news from someone very close to me! I can't share who this bit of news belongs to, because this is her secret to share, but someone who I love very much is pregnant after battling with infertility, and I'm BEYOND excited for her (and her husband). This couple is so smart, so cool, and so incredibly awesome, they are going to make great parents! As you can tell, I'm super excited for them and can't wait until they share their exciting secret!

Their upcoming announcement got me thinking about what we will do when we finally see a positive pregnancy test. While I may not be able to contain my excitement for long, I want to share our big news in a big way with all of our closest friends and family. So as you can imagine, I've been googling, pinteresting, and stumbling around the internet like a fool; adding little bits of other people's pregnancy announcement ideas to my list of possible ways of sharing our future big news.

Today I'm sharing 9 amazing ways to announce you're with child, from magazine covers to personalized eggs, there are so many creative ways to share your exciting news with the world... Here are a few of my favorites:


1. Announce your new addition with some super fun and adorable art like this couple.

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2. This fitness-minded pregnancy announcement is absolutely adorable and this post actually made me tear up, I love hearing success stories with couples struggling with infertility and this story is one for the books!

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3. While you can't drink the caffeinated drinks once you are prego, you can still share the big news with the little green mermaid involved. This adorable coffee themed pregnancy announcement is the perfect way to "espresso" your joy!

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4. If you are blessed enough to already have two kids, this announcement sharing how you will soon be outnumbered is too cute!

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5. This adorable "bun in the oven" announcement has to be one of the most creative I've ever seen! Recreating this scene would be easy for most couples and it's so adorable...

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6. This adorable little egg announcement would be fun to surprise people with in person, whether you are sharing the news about baby number one or two.

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7. This super cute doggy involved announcement is perfect!

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8. If you love reading magazines, like most of us gals, this super fun "magazine cover"-inspired announcement is a great way to share your big news in a big way!

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9. If you have a green thumb, this super cute garden inspired announcement is perfect for you!

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These 9 happy couples are so very blessed,aren't they?! I can't wait until I can post my own announcement on the blog, so keep your fingers crossed, send us good vibes, say a prayer, or keep us in your thoughts - just do whatever it is you do to wish people good luck, please! Since I don't have any big news yet, I'd love to hear how you announced your pregnancy (or how you plan to announce if you aren't a parent or pregnant yet) in the comments below!

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Life Lately: Floods, Fishing, Finally Some Sunshine, & Fabulous Deals from Albertsons Anniversary Sale

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AHugeSale #CollectiveBias #Albertsons

In case you haven't heard, it's been raining nearly non-stop in Tampa lately. Neighborhoods have flooded and people have been photographed floating along main streets in rafts and kayaks and I think I even saw a video of a man catching a catfish on a sidewalk. Life has been full of lots of rain... So as you can imagine, living in a city right outside of Tampa means that I've been subjected to weather that you would expect from Oregon or Washington, not the "Sunshine State". After almost two weeks FULL of rain, the sun finally decided to show up on my husband's day off! We couldn't even believe it and immediately decided to head to head to the beach and soak up some rays!

As always, we decided to stop off and grab some of our essentials to make sure we stay hydrated. We stopped at Albertsons when we noticed they are having an epic anniversary sale and saved big money! Can you believe that Albertsons has been around for 76 years?! Whether you are restocking your pantry or filling your fridge with party essentials, all of the awesome deals going on at my store had me overfilling our cart with goodness!

With all of my favorite sodas, teas, and even water on sale, I couldn't pass up any of it! We were able to buy Diet Mountain Dew for me and Pepsi made with real sugar and two packs of Mountain Dew Throwback for my hubby for $10. Let me say this a little clearer, we bought 4 - 12 packs of our absolute favorite types of soda for only $10! I felt like I won the lottery while I loaded the soda into the cart.

After we stocked up on all of our carbonated essentials, I noticed that my favorite tea was on sale as well! SCORE!

Then hubby pointed out that the Gatorade was on sale as well, so of course we grabbed a few packages of his favorite flavor. So as you can imagine, we nearly squealed with delight when we noticed that Aquafina was on sale too! We love finding a good bargain, especially on our way to the beach!

After completely making sure that our hydration needs were met, it was time to head to the beach and boy was it a glorious time!

We fished for hours, we chit-chatted about our future, we played games, we read books, we giggled, we instagrammed, and we snapchatted. I had a delicious Diet Mixed Berry Green Tea, he had a Gatorade, and we soaked up the sun with huge smiles on our faces.

He even got a little creative with his Pepsi, unintentionally, while we were reeling in a big ol' fish (side note: we thought we had a big fish until we realized our line was just stuck). Since he reel our "big fish"in while I went to grab the camera to document our capture, he quickly placed his Pepsi on the closest thing next to him. Since the fish didn't actually exist and I had the camera in hand ready to shoot, I started snapping shots of the Pepsi instead and thought they turned out pretty nifty! Who would've thought? He's a master with photo props!

All in all, from getting great deals on all of our favorite beverages to having a good laugh about our "big fish", it was the best day we've had in a long time. It's the little things, and on the beach, with your love, the little things are always the best!

I'm so happy to share that it's sunny in Tampa again today and we are packing up our cooler to head back out to the beach shortly! Although we've heard rumors that the rain may return later this week, we are overjoyed to finally have the chance to run around and catch some rays with our favorite drinks in hand! Maybe we'll even be able to squeeze in a few more beach days before school starts!

What's your favorite thing to do when it's raining outside? Do you love to throw a party, build a blanket fort, or maybe spend the entire day watching movies? Are you a beach go-er when the sun is shining or are you more likely to spend time under a tree reading a book? I'd love to hear how you spent your week, rain or shine in the comments below!

Don't forget that you'll want to stock up on your favorite drinks before it's too late! Head on over to Albertsons before 8/11 and check out all the amazing deals you can find during their HUGE Anniversary sale! Even if you don't have an Albertsons location nearby you, you may be lucky enough to have one of their banner stores like Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Shaws! Keep you eye out for their anniversary sale as well.

Be The Best Version of You with EAS Complete Protein, a DIY Upcycled T-shirt, & a HIIT workout routine!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PowerInProtein #CollectiveBias

While I'm all about living a well-rounded life and enjoying everything life has to offer, this summer I've been hyper focused on meeting my fitness related goals and my hard work and determination seem to really be paying off. I'm in love with my new lifestyle.

While I'm feeling amazing, I must share the downside to all of this health-related goodness... I've sadly just been taste-testing the delicious carb-filled treats that I've shared on the blog recently, instead of eating them by the dozen. Okay, well, maybe no longer eating home-baked treats in mass quantities isn't really a downside after all. My body is definitely thankful and this also means that I've discovered delicious, healthy recipes and incorporated some healthy new habits into my lifestyle.

From upcycling my old t-shirts (that are now far too big on me) to making my own work out routines to completely overhauling the way I eat, I've really changed my lifestyle for the best this summer and I'm never looking back. Today I want to share exactly what I've done to help change my life, from how I make my old t-shirts into something awesome to how I supply my body with the nutrients it needs; I'm gushing about all my favorite fitness tips today.

Upcycling an old t-shirt is super easy to do and it makes for a fun "new" work out/running shirt. Whether you grabbed a few fun tee's from the thrift store or want to overhaul your sleep shirt drawer, all you'll need to do is grab a pair of scissors and follow my photo tutorial to make a fancy new shirt in no time:

Another change I've made to my routine is incorporating EAS Complete Protein into my meal plan. EAS is a great source of protein, as well as calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and it tastes delicious. Sometimes I add a dash into a smoothie after my AM workout and sometimes I drank it all alone while I'm on my way to meet a friend for a run, it makes the perfect, quick snack to power my body.

I feel good about chugging my EAS because I know it's not only helping my muscles but my bones and digestive system as well. Combined with my stellar (at-home) work out routine, that I've shared in a printable below, EAS is the perfect way to supply my body with what it needs to stay strong and healthy!

{Click here to download the free printable}

I grabbed my EAS Complete Protein while I was doing a little grocery shopping at Walmart, so next time you are browsing the aisles keep your eye out for this tasty supplement.

Now that I've shared a fun new way to make some personalized work out gear, an awesome work out routine, and a stellar way to keep your body nourished, I'd love to hear your plans for reaching your fitness goals and becoming a healthier you in the comments below!

5 MUST SEE Educational Food Documentaries {Available on Netflix}

Knowing what you are putting into your body is so important! From the chemicals they treat your veggies with to the preservatives they put in the over-processed food that supermarkets label as healthy, there are hidden ingredients and underlying contaminates that you aren't aware of. I've been on a food documentary kick lately and today I'm sharing my favorite (and some of the most informative) food documentaries on Netflix.

First I'll start with one of my favorites, Forks over Knives. This documentary examines the idea behind a diet curing disease and illness, in depth. I love the knowledge that is shared in this documentary and if you are borderline pesca/vegetarian (like me), this movie may push you over the edge. I like this documentary because it's not obnoxious, just educational and helpful for those that may be unaware of how much our diet plays a role in our immune system and our natural healing capabilities.

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead is another awesome educational movie. As you can imagine, this movie is about a man that is overweight, unhealthy, and honestly could pass at any moment due to his obesity. He embarks on a complete lifestyle change and the rest is history... or the movie. You can also catch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead 2 on Netlfix as well.

GMO OMG is actually a movie I stumbled across while doing research for a speech I gave in class about the dangers of GMO's. I ate up every morsel of knowledge this movie shared and loved examining the facts they shared in this movie. I'll be honest with you, you'll be googling while watching this documentary because some of the knowledge they share will astound you.

Fed Up is another great documentary made to expose the food industry and how it plays a role in childhood obesity. While I'm all for a tasty treat, falsely advertising something unhealthy as something healthy and misleading consumers (especially children) is a huge no-no in my book, this movie exposes some big companies bad habits and shares the struggle young adults have as a whole with weight loss. I loved the people in this documentary and would recommend it to anyone.

Hungry For Change is another food industry bashing movie that you must-see. It's an eye-opener and will really change the way you look at processed foods. Exposing strategies and sharing industry secrets, this documentary will be one that you should definitely add to your queue right now so you can find out what's holding you back from the body you deserve.

The few movies they offer on Netflix are just a fraction of what's available to educate yourself on food. I'd love to know, have you seen any of these awesome documentaries or do you know of another food related movie that I must see? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

Be Fit For Life: 5 Reasons to Try Bowflex Body Today!

You guys, I did it! I am finally, almost at my weight loss goal (within 3lbs) and I'm so proud of myself! My body has transformed into something that I'm actually happy to look in the mirror and see. I'm more confident in my skin than I've ever been. It's a life changing experience to shed 40lbs and I'm doing my very best to keep all of that weight off.

With that said, I'm also doing my very best to build muscle, which means that I'm really staying committed to my healthy lifestyle in every way. As you probably already know, nutrition is a key part of staying healthy.

Although I'm still a foodie, my food related habits have changed entirely and some of those changes involve drinking protein shakes and treating myself to healthy pre-workout energy drinks. Since I'm spending more time in the gym these Bowflex Body supplements are vital for proper nutrition and I love drinking both of them.

The energy powders come in tiny little packets, but have a powerful kick to them. I love using the pre-workout energy on days I know I'll be spending a long while at the gym and using the energy powder on days when I'm just seeking a little pick-me-up.

The Bowflex Body protein powder comes in a delicious vanilla flavor and I love the fact that you can add tasty peanut butter, chocolate, or strawberry boosters to really get a flavor you'll love.

But protein powder isn't just a delicious treat, it offers so many more benefits. Here's my top 5 reasons for guzzling down Bowflex Body protein:

1. You can burn fat, while you are drinking chocolate. The answer to your dessert cravings is simple, drink protein powder and don't splurge on calories!

2. Bowflex is an excellent source of nutrients and vitamins! This means that you are filling your body with important things it needs instead of filling up on useless junk food while still being able to indulge in chocolate, peanut butter, or strawberries.

3. These shakes promote fat burning with the perfect blend of ingredients! Your body will be thanking you as it's digesting one of these delicious shakes and the scale definitely reflects the effort you put into your diet.

4. Not only do these shakes promote fat burning, they curb cravings! One of my favorite reasons to chug a protein shake is the fact that they satiate your appetite; allowing you to focus on your work out, instead of your next meal.

5. If you don't love Bowflex Body, they offer 100% 30-day buy back guarantee. They stand behind their product that strongly; don't fret, if you try it and don't love it, they'll make it up to you!

Ready to give Bowflex Body a try for yourself? Use the code BOWFLEXSHAKE and receive 20% off + free shipping & handling!

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.

Choose Your Karma & Head Back to School with Sakroots Flap Backpack

I can't believe it; it just can't be true. Summer is almost over and it's actually that time of the year again. We are all counting down the last days of summer and getting things organized; soon school will be in session yet again.

Don't hate me for saying this, but I'm almost excited to go back to school this year; partially because I'm rocking an awesome back to school look and because I'm getting closer and closer to finally graduating (3 semesters left after this one, but no one's counting or anything). My back to school look this year is totally different than the past, I feel like I've finally "found myself" as far as fashion is concerned and that's a pretty exciting feeling.

I can't wait to share the outfit I'm going to wear for the first day of school, but for now I'll share what I wore when I attended an orientation earlier this week. I'm in love with this simple outfit and it's the perfect summertime get up, for everything from a BBQ to a quick back-to-school meeting.

On the afternoon of my orientation, I was walking into the building where the orientation was held with plenty of time to spare, but for some reason I decided to cut through the grass to get there quicker. That was a huge mistake, since it's been raining non-stop lately... Not only is the grass muddy, it's down right swampy. I managed to get mud all the way up the back of my legs, all over my nude colored sandals, and literally in between each and every one of my toes.

I was a hot mess, but luckily I was able to scrounge together a few tissues from my car to wipe off most of the mud and ended up attending my orientation barefoot... talk about making interesting first impressions with future classmates and professors.

Regardless of how silly I looked walking around campus barefoot, I'm obsessed with bright colors this season and loved my look with or without shoes. The fading, yet still bright purple hair, my neon yellow shorts, the cobalt blue tank top, and my brand new, gorgeous, bold printed backpack and planner from Sakroots; I'm obsessed with it all.

The best part of my outfit, is that all of my clothing came from a second hand store. Plus, my Sakroots accessories allow me to give back to a good cause. That means this outfit is a double whammy as far as "Karma" and giving back to my community are concerned. I love that you can stand out from the crowd while carrying a Sakroots bag (or rocking any of their fun accessories) and you can give back to a good cause on the same dime!

During check out you'll have the chance to donate to a charity, simply by supporting whichever one of the beautiful patterns you prefer. These patterns designed by artists (like myself) really make me so very happy and inspired every time I look at them and since they all help their own good cause, I think they are all just the bee's knees!

Do you realize this means that you can rock a new pair of rain boots, buy an adorable planer that you write all your assignments in, or even upgrade to a new, cooler backpack and just simply buying these products can change the world for the better? That's pretty cool, huh? Plus, Sakroots matches the amount you donate! So cool!

Want to hear something else really cool? Sakroots is looking for on-campus ambassadors! These lucky Sakroots reps will host sponsored events, have access to exclusive promo codes for friends, and educate everyone on their campus about the Sakroots story. Through this program students have the opportunity to earn college credit, obtain NYC based internships, and receive free swag! Interested in becoming a Campus Circle Ambassador? Click the Campus Circle Ambassador link at the bottom of the Sakroots page to find out more.

Want to learn more about Sakroots and the adorable products they offer? It's time for you to choose your karma (and earn 15%), all you have to do is visit Sakroots.com! I dare you to check out their campus collection and treat yourself to something gorgeous!

After you spoil yourself, definitely come back and let me know which laid back, trendy print you decided on! Do you know the perfect college student to rep Sakroots? Let me know in a comment below which look you love the most and who in your life do you think will make the perfect ambassador?

The Perfect Pick-Me-Up: Starbucks Single Origin Coffee from Rwanda, Timor, and Guatemala

Thanks to Starbucks for providing me with the coffee to facilitate the review.

Starbucks is pretty much a staple in my daily routine, so when they sent over the Single Origin coffee I was overjoyed to see such a variety of tasty coffee to sample! They also sent over a gorgeous, hand-crafted-looking hand towel that I adore! With coffee from Rwanda, Timor, and Guatemala it's almost like I get to travel the world each time I take a sip of coffee and my little hand towel looks like the souvenir I brought back with me!

Ever had a single origin coffee? If you are anything like I used to be, you just know you like Starbucks and aren't really sure what that means. Single-origin coffee gets many of its distinguishing characteristics from where it's grown - the soil, climate, and elevation where it's cultivated are the main distinguishing factors. I like to compare the complexity of how these single-origin coffees taste to fine wines, the flavors are unique to their origin and each has a taste of their own.

The delicious Rift Valley originates from Rwanda and is absolutely amazing, my favorite of the three single-origin coffees they sent over. It's medium bodied, with a spicy dark chocolate undertone, and has a hint of citrus and a ridiculously tasty heady floral scent. It's a bit like heaven in a glass.

The Mount Ramelau originates from Timor and is balanced and very smooth. It has a mild herbal spice with a roasty-sweet finish. While sipping on this coffee, you can almost picture the smallholder farmers, meticulously tending each plant, and selecting only the ripest cherries to process, resulting in a smooth, refined cup of joe that I crave again and again!

The last coffee they sent over originates from Guatemala and is named Laguna de Ayarza. It's a very rich coffee, with a crisp citrus notes and a sweet, chocolatey after taste. The flavors are deep and complex, yet simple and delicious. I love sharing this coffee with my husband while we lounge in our backyard in the morning, it's just right for a pick-me-up!

Now that I've shared some of my favorite Starbucks coffees, I'd love to hear what your favorite is? Since I'm going to be posting about Starbucks regularly, I'd love to know if you have any coffee related crafts or recipes that I must try? Please share them below! Save 10% on your order for new customers (US only. Online only. Excludes Verismo machines and pods.) Use code AFF10.